Jun 21 1969
From The Space Library
June 21-26: NASA successfully launched 174-lb Explorer XLI (IMP-G) Interplanetary Monitoring Platform from WTR by Thrust-Augmented Improved Thor-Delta (DSV-3E) booster at 1:48 am PDT during major electric power failure. Spacecraft entered nearly polar orbit with 110,722.5-mi (178,191-km) apogee, 213.1-mi (343-km) perigee, 4,906- min period, and 87° inclination. Primary objectives were to place spacecraft into orbit with apogee of at least 92,000 mi (148,028 km) and to obtain for 90 days adequate measurements from plasma and energetic particle experiments for continuation and extension of studies of environment within and beyond earth's magnetosphere during period of high solar activity. Solar proton data would be transmitted to MSC as needed to support Apollo missions. Explorer XLI carried 12 experiments-greatest number ever carried by IMP spacecraft-provided by universities, NASA centers, and industry to measure cosmic rays, solar plasmas, and magnetic fields in interplanetary space. Explorer XLI was seventh in series of 10 IMP spacecraft planned by NASA. Two of six previously orbited satellites - Explorer XXXIII (IMP-D), launched July 1, 1966, and Explorer XXXV (IMP-E), launched July 19, 1967-were still providing scientific data. IMP program was managed by GSFC under OSSA direction. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Release 69-89)
June 21: Cancellation of MOL program had left USAF with $1 billion in space hardware and 14 highly trained astronauts, Ralph Dighton of Associated Press wrote. Most of $1 billion already spent on program had been for undisclosed number of Titan IIIM boosters and satellites built or on order. USAF had said launch facilities would be finished on schedule in September because they would have to be paid for anyway. They could be used for unmanned spacecraft. The $L3-million administration building at Vandenberg AFB, Calif." and $1.6-million medical and training structure could be adapted for office space. MOL astronauts had been offered to NASA but no decision had yet been reached. Aerospace workers in seven firms had been hit by MOL cancellation, with McDonnell Douglas Corp. most affected. It had 7,200 employees on project (AP, W Star, 6/21/69, A5)
Soviet academician Anatoly A. Blagonravov said in Moscow interview: "Exploration of moon and planets is a most noble task and our generation can rightly be proud it has opened the space era. Any scientific achievement accomplished in any country in the long run becomes an achievement of world science. Space efforts of the United States and • the USSR sometimes complement one another." (UPI, P Bull, 6/22/69)
NASA was combining Apollo 11 spectacular with "bit of spectacular lobbying," Washington Evening Star said. It had invited all 533 members of House and Senate to fly at NASA's expense to witness Apollo 11 launch from Cape Kennedy. Total bill could come to nearly $28,000. (W Star, 6/21/69, A3)
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